Shropshire Star

Shropshire and Mid Wales MPs praise Prime Minister as Brexit under way

Prime Minister Theresa May's pulling of the EU trigger was today hailed an historic occasion by MPs in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

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Mrs May told MPs on Wednesday that Britain's ambassador to the EU had delivered a letter to president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, stating that Britain would leave the EU within two years under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.

North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, who was an outspoken campaigner for Britain to leave the EU, said it was an important moment for Britain.

"The Prime Minister has kept her promise to the British people of invoking Article 50 by the end of March, it's another important step.

"The referendum was a huge step, this is another step, and the next big step really will be the Great Repeal Bill and moving on with that."

He said there would be ups and downs along the way, but said the future was bright as long as Britain remained focused.

"As long as we are determined to have a clear destination in Britain becoming a global country again, we have got a great future."

Mr Paterson added that he wanted to see Britain continue to have close relations with its EU neighbours, as well as a rapid settlement of the issue about EU residents living in the UK, and British nationals living in EU countries.

"We want to establish a relationship of reciprocal free trade with the EU, but also to establish trade links with the rapidly growing economies outside of the EU, where the economies are shrinking."

Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski said the announcement was not about Britain leaving, but about joining the rest of the world.

"It's about entering the global world," he said.

"It's a very exciting moment for us, something to share with our children. I have every confidence the UK will negotiate a fair and very favourable relationship with the EU, which doesn't put a political straitjacket on us. I think it is very important that we negotiate our own trade deals with some of the very exciting emerging markets around the world."

Telford MP Lucy Allan said the people of Telford had spoken and the announcement showed that their voices had been heard.

"I know that Telford is optimistic about the future, as it has always been when facing changes," she said. "I am pleased that the Prime Minister has committed to securing the right deal and the best deal for the British people. People in Telford did not vote for partial membership of the EU, they voted for a new agreement; the right to make our own decisions and to control our own laws."I will watch closely as the process unfolds to ensure that the voice of Telford is heard in Westminster and that the best deal is secured for our future."

MP for The Wrekin, Mark Pritchard, said the declaration that Britain would be leaving was hugely significant. "This is an historic moment," he said. "I fully support the Prime Minister in battling for Britain in Brussels."

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said: "Clearly its a momentous day for Britain, and for Europe.

"I supported leave, so I welcome this important decision from the people on withdrawing from the EU."I know we will now have a period of uncertainty and long, hard negotiations, and I hope both sides approach it in a positive way. I want us to be an outward-looking Britain."

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne: said the Prime Minister's announcement in the Commons was a very important event. "It was a big parliamentary occasion, and the Prime Minister developed a pitch-perfect response," he said. "Her statement was well crafted pointing out how we want to remain good friends with Europe." – we are not leaving Europe – and that is exactly the right tone for the negotiations that follow"We are going to have two years of very challenging negotiations."

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